Causes of delay in various construction projects: A literature review

Mbuyamba Mbala, Clinton Aigbavboa, John Aliu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The construction industry plays a vital role in the establishment of physical infrastructures to improve the quality of life today. However, one of the most common problems associated with the industry is the issue of delay in construction projects. Overtime, this subject has caused a multitude of negative effects on the project itself as well as the construction professionals. This paper aims to identify the various causes of construction projects delay and make recommendations to mitigate this concern. A review of relevant literatures was conducted from conference articles and journal from databases including Springer, Emerald, Taylor and Francis online, ASCE, Scopus amongst others. The distillation of literature through thematic analysis revealed that poor site management; shortage of skilled labour; unrealistic project scheduling; labour absenteeism; design changes/rework due to the construction errors and accidents due to poor site safety are some of the major causes of delay in the timely delivery of construction projects. This paper therefore recommends that in order to achieve timely delivery of projects, there is an increased need for teamwork between the client, contractors and consultants. The results of this study will be useful to construction professionals (clients, contractors and consultants), and academicians.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Human Factors, Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure - Proceedings of the AHFE 2018 International Conference on Human Factors, Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure, 2018
EditorsChristianne Falcao, Jerzy Charytonowicz
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages489-495
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9783319941981
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventAHFE International Conference on Human Factors, Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure, 2018 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 21 Jul 201825 Jul 2018

Publication series

NameAdvances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
Volume788
ISSN (Print)2194-5357

Conference

ConferenceAHFE International Conference on Human Factors, Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure, 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period21/07/1825/07/18

Keywords

  • Buildings
  • Construction activities
  • Construction industry
  • Construction management
  • Delay time
  • Timely delivery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • General Computer Science

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